“He was sought-after by a few clubs and sometimes you have to take the opportunity to move a player on when it’s in the best interests of both parties.”

Hawkridge had a brief stint at Mansfield Town in 2015.

He made his Football League debut for Scunthorpe United in 2013 and spendt three years with the Iron.

A move to Lincoln City materialised that summer and he played 39 times as the Imps made it to the quarter finals of the FA Cup and promotion back to the Football League.

Hawkridge posted on Twitter: “Just wanted to say thank you to @Official_NCFC for giving me the opportunity to play for a great club. I wish nothing but the best for players, fans and everyone involved with the club. Good luck to the boys.”